August 1st, 2012
It's well and truly flu season, with the Appliances Online office beginning to resemble that epic battle scene from Gone with the Wind: We all know that there's really no better way to recover from being sick than to get plenty of rest. But is there anything in particular you should eat to ensure a speedy recovery? Or is the key to avoid food altogether? "Feed a cold, ... Read more
July 31st, 2012
Products with the latest state-of-the-art features or a strong advertising campaign can only do so much when it comes to influencing the purchasing decisions of Australians. Consumers are more aware than ever, and use trust in a brand to help them choose between different products. The results of the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands 2012 survey are an indication of the importance Australians place on trust, and the 2,468 ... Read more
July 31st, 2012
A few weeks ago we told you about making a coffee using your iPhone, so it was only a matter of time until more kitchen appliances could be operated by your mobile phone. Consumer electronics pioneers LG launched its latest microwave oven in Korea yesterday (July 30), boasting the ability to be controlled remotely by a smartphone. Considered a world first, the Smart Studio Wave Oven combines microwave, ... Read more
July 30th, 2012
When it comes to cleaning around the house, vacuum cleaners are among the tools we come to rely on the most to get the job done. But when it comes to comparing makes and models, how do you decide? According to the results of a new Reader’s Digest survey, trust is one of the greatest influences when it comes to purchasing decisions - even when it comes to ... Read more
July 30th, 2012
Not long ago, we posted a question on the Appliances Online Facebook page – Washing Powder vs Washing Liquid, what do YOU use at home? While both types of detergent received strong shows of support from their devoted fans, a significant percentage of responders were in favour of a third option: SOAP NUTS A bunch of us, myself included, had never heard of these things, and had no idea ... Read more
July 30th, 2012
Last week we hinted at the results of a new consumer survey and today we begin to reveal the big winners in categories such as vacuum cleaners and kitchen appliances. The Reader's Digest Trusted Brands 2012 survey looked at almost 2,500 responses and came to the conclusion that the top whitegoods brand in the country is … Westinghouse! "Westinghouse won the Trusted Brands Whitegoods category because Australians know ... Read more
July 27th, 2012
What do you base your purchases on? Is it packaging, advertising or a product's reputation? According to new survey, trust is one of the greatest reasons guiding the buying decisions of Australian households - and there are some brands that a true stand-outs. The Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands 2012 survey looked at the top brands in a range of categories - everything from food and insurance to beauty, ... Read more
July 27th, 2012
A kitchen staple in the 1950s, Mixmaster is synonymous with classic recipes and bonding time between Mum and the kids. While technology has changed over the decades, Sunbeam has decided to bring the household favourite back and embrace the retro charm Mixmaster products offer. Almost 65 years after the launch of the original appliance, both the Mixmaster Classic and Mixmaster Hand Mixer have been re-released - allowing households ... Read more
July 26th, 2012
You know that thing where someone you love cooks you dinner, and it just isn't very good? "Mmmm," you say, dabbing politely at your mouth with a folded serviette. "This is… just… uhmmm… do you have any wine?" You want to like it, but sadly nothing can make up for the fact that it tastes like a particularly inexpensive brand of cat food. THIS was precisely the experience I ... Read more
July 26th, 2012
This is a blog for idiots. You know who you are. Let me explain, I know. Because I’m one of you! You may be particularly brilliant at a particular area of your life (ours is constructing forts from empty cereal packets), but in terms of general household maintenance ... completely hopeless. Don't worry. I get you. We’re the people who forget to turn off appliances. Barely ... Read more
July 26th, 2012
Appliances are more dangerous than you might expect. If you're not careful, they can become accidents waiting to happen. We want to keep our customers alive and healthy, so here are a few ways you can avoid being injured by the appliances in your home: Toasters A toaster is normally pretty innocuous, but it can be a potential fire or electrocution risk if you're not careful. Keep your toaster clear ... Read more
July 25th, 2012
Between the frosty mornings and chilly evenings, we all need a little help trying to stay warm this winter. But just how safe are the products that we use as a source of heat? To give households a helping hand when it comes to safety, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has released its top winter product safety tips after a number of popular items were recalled, ... Read more
July 24th, 2012
In the lead-up to the games, this food-obsessed appliance blogger asks the question: what do athletes eat? We'll start by looking at what they should eat: A balance of protein, carbs and fats Complex carbohydrates (such as whole grain bread, pasta, brown rice and fruit) make up an essential part of an athlete's diet, because carbs provide fuel to the body. Next, lean protein (fish, poultry, low-fat dairy, beans and ... Read more
July 24th, 2012
The only thing harder than shopping for someone that already has everything is trying to find a unique Father's Day gift when Dad hasn't dropped any hints. Giving your old man the perfect present on his special day not only shows him how much he's loved, it can also set you up for 12 months of being in Dad's good books. But how do you narrow down your ... Read more
July 24th, 2012
While consumers have known for a long time that the world of online shopping is growing at an exceptional pace, a new survey shows just how fast things are changing. Released today (July 24), the PwC and Frost and Sullivan Global Retail and Consumer report indicates that 53 per cent of Australian consumers over the age of 15 are making purchases online. While lower prices, avoiding crowds and a more comprehensive ... Read more
